Are You Thinking About the Feelings?

I had a discussion recently with someone researching his family history. He was talking about a family member that died and the fact that the very next day, World War I was declared by the United States. He wondered what the family feltat that time. Their son had just died and now the world was turned upside down by war. This also meant their surviving son might be called up for duty and in fact, he was.

When you enter your facts, documents, and pictures into Sort Your Story, are you also telling the stories that go with those individuals? Are you considering the feelings behind certain events? These feelings are what help us to bring our ancestors to life.

Our ancestors are more than just names, dates, and places. They lived a full life and dealt with similar things as we do today. Consider how they felt and write that part of their story too.

3 responses to “Are You Thinking About the Feelings?”

Great post, I have always since I started my research in 2005 tried to find out as much as I could about my ancestors to “bring them alive” that include finding out about things were happening at the time to understand what they must have been feeling at the time. So much better than just compiling a list of names and dates!

Karen I think it is fabulous you are trying to bring your ancestors to life. So many people do not do this. It is one thing I try to encourage in all my client projects. Tell the stories. I believe you will inspire others to write their stories if they know you are doing this. Thanks for stopping by!